Thousands gathered in Berlin on Sunday to oppose a controversial immigration bill backed by opposition conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The proposal, led by Friedrich Merz of the CDU/CSU, faced backlash for breaking a long-standing political taboo against working with AfD.
An estimated 160,000 protesters rallied at Brandenburg Gate near the Bundestag, holding signs that read, "We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD" and "Merz, go home, shame on you!" Demonstrations also took place in Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig.
Merz, a frontrunner for Germany’s chancellorship in the upcoming February election, failed to push the bill through parliament as members of his own party refused to support it. His attempt to align with AfD dealt a blow to his leadership, with critics warning that the move risked legitimizing the far-right.
The proposed law sought to restrict family reunifications for refugees and tighten border control. Supporters cited rising concerns over public safety following high-profile attacks involving individuals with immigrant backgrounds. However, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens rejected the bill, arguing it violated European law and would not have prevented such incidents.
AfD, currently under surveillance by German security services, has long been isolated by mainstream parties to prevent its legislative influence. Public opinion remains divided, with polls showing two-thirds of Germans favor stricter immigration policies.
The protests signal growing resistance to conservative-led immigration restrictions, with many citizens viewing them as an erosion of democratic values. As the national election approaches, the debate over immigration and political alliances is set to shape Germany’s political landscape.